UNHCR: 1.4 Million Asylum-Seekers to Reach Europe in 2015, 2016: While issuing an appeal for $128 million to cope with refugee crisis, UNHCR warns that an estimated 700,000 asylum seekers will reach Europe via Mediterranean in 2015 and another similar number will enter Europe in 2016. (Voice of America – 01/10/2015)

Africa needs coherent policies to deal with migrant crisis’: Speaking during the 55th Nigerian independence anniversary held in Windhoek, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia, Sidi Ladan says, “Africa needs to address the root causes of instability that triggers the fleeing of persons from the continent” (New Era – 02/10/2015)

The growth that refugees drive: In this article, the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim argues that there are greater socio-economic benefits when countries take in refugees and economic migrants – especially those countries with declining populations. (Gulf News - 02/10/2015)

87 migrants reach Spanish territory from Morocco: 13 people are hurt as hundreds of African migrants charge at the border between Morocco and Spanish territory of Ceuta. 87 made it across as others were held back by the Moroccan security forces. (Yahoo News – 03/10/2015)

Tiny Nauru throws gates open at Australian camp for asylum seekers: Following criticism about harsh conditions and human rights violations in Nauru’s detention centres, the government unexpectedly announces all 600 asylum claims will be processed and applicants allowed to move freely in the country. (Thomas Reuters Foundation – 05/10/2015)

Are European billions enough to stop migration?: Noting the persistent push factors (e.g. poor governance, poverty, etc) and poor development track in some Africa countries, the author of this article queries the rationale for the EU Trust Fund which is aimed at addressing the root causes of migration crisis. (New Europe – 05/10/2015)

There are more than 60 million refugees, asylum-seekers in the World, Guterres: Urging EU states to enhance management of migration flows, including establishing legal avenues for those seeking protection, UNHCR High Commissioner, António Guterres says there are more than 60 million refugees, asylum seekers and IDPs in the world and the number is expected to rise in future. (CIHAN -06/10/2015)

Journeys of vulnerability from Syria to Europe: In this article, the authors review the various forms of vulnerabilities facing Syrian IDPs and refugees as they seek safety and protection in their country and neighbouring countries. Measures to address the vulnerabilities are also assessed. (ICMPD – 07/10/2015)

Britain wants long-term plan from World Bank for refugee crisis: in this article, Britain is urging the World Bank to launch a long term plan to address the migration crisis. “This is a crisis that is not just going to clear itself up in one or two years,” said Justine Greening, the International Development Secretary. (The Guardian – 11/10/2015)

Corruption Is Breeding Africa's Migration Problem: Following the Annual Forum for Inter-Regional Consultations of Africa’s Regional Framework on Migration held in Ghana, the author of this article argues that corruption is the main root cause of massive emigration from Africa. (All Africa – 12/10/2015)

Greek aid worker busts seven refugee myths: Based on interviews with refugees, local authorities and community members, the author of this article seeks to clarify some of the widespread assumptions about refugees arriving in Lesvos – estimated to be more than 220,000. (IRIN News – 13/10/2015)

World Bank may compensate Syria's neighbours for refugee costs: The World Bank plans to engage member countries about compensating countries that are hosting Syrian refugees. "We recognise that for many of these countries there's a cost associated with hosting refugees” says Colin Bruce, a senior adviser to the World Bank. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 15/10/2015)

Europe Asylum-Seeker Quota Plan Plunged Into Chaos: In this article, the EU’s refugee relocation quota system is put in jeopardy as asylum seekers refuse to travel to allocated countries in favour of other preferred countries. (Sputnik News – 16/10/2015)

Ministerial Pledging Conference on Somali Refugees: This press statement released by European Commission details EU’s support in Somalia - technical and financial - in coming years. This includes the Emergency Trust Fund aimed at addressing irregular migration. (New Europe – 21/10/2015)

U.N. criticises Czech detentions and strip-searches of refugees: In this article, the UN human rights chief Zeid al-Hussein accuses the Czech Republic for violating human rights by detaining refugees for up to 90 days and strip-searching them for money to pay for their own detention. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 22/10/2015)

Protecting refugees in transit: In this article, the authors argue that there is a need for increased regional policy and protection to tackle mounting pressure on transit sites as thousands of migrants and asylum seekers move through to destination countries. (Asia & the Pacific Policy Society – 25/10/2015)

Council Conclusions on the EU Horn of Africa Regional Action Plan 2015-2020: This press statement highlights key priorities for Horn of Africa adopted by EU Council which include regional security and stability, migration and forced displacement, counter-radicalisation and violent extremism, youth and employment, and human rights, rule of law and democratic governance. (European Council – 26/10/2015)

Botswana grants 10 Eritrean soccer players asylum: A group of ten Eritrean soccer players who sought refuge in Botswana after playing in a World Cup qualifying match have been granted asylum by Botswana government. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 29/10/2015)

Finland raises forecast over asylum seekers: The Interior Ministry raises the projection of the number of people seeking asylum in Finland from 30,000 to 50,000 for 2015 citing increased inflow of refugees and migrants (Europe Online – 02/10/2015)

EU seeks Turkey help to block migrant flows, offers cash: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker presents a draft action plan to Turkey’s President Erdogan which recommends tighter border controls to stem migration flows including an offer of up to 1 billion euros to help Turkey manage refugees.(Thomson Reuters Foundation – 06/10/2015)

EU talks tough on deportations amid flood of Syrian refugees: EU governments are reported to agree on a proposal to deport hundreds of thousands of people who fail to win asylum. Further, EU will exert pressure on African countries and other poor states to accept back deported citizens. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 07/10/2015)

Secret plan to deport thousands of migrants: According to a diplomatic text leaked to the media, EU plans to deport hundreds of thousands of failed asylum seekers back to origin countries. Sending countries who fail to accept back deported migrants may have trade deals and aid withdrawn. (The Times - 07/10/2015)

Half of Czechs oppose taking in war refugees - survey: According to a survey conducted by Czech Public Opinion Research Centre, up to 50% of Czechs are against accepting refugees from conflict zones. This reflects Czech’s strong opposition to EU’s policies on opening the door to growing number of asylum-seekers in EU. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 07/10/2015)

Attacks on refugee shelters rising in Germany: Minister: The German interior minister, Thomas de Maiziere announces that a total of 493 attacks on refugee shelters have been reported between January and October 2015 – three times higher than attacks recorded in 2014. (Press TV – 10/10/2015)

Greece to Open 5 Migrant Processing Centers on Lesbos: Following a meeting with EU partners, Greece pledges to open 5 migrant processing centres or ‘hotspots’ in Lisbos to facilitate the relocation and distribution of asylum seekers to other EU countries. (Voice of America – 10/10/2015)

German conservatives agree on "transit zones" for refugees: German conservatives agree on a plan to set up ‘transit zones’ at the border to filter out migrants likely to be rejected asylum in Germany. The Social Democrats express strong reservations to this proposal. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 12/10/2015)

Germany tightens asylum rules to cope with refugee influx: German lawmakers approve a number of measures aimed at stemming the influx of migrants including speeding up asylum and deportation process, construction of shelters, reducing cash incentives for economic migrants and widening list of countries deemed as ‘safe’. (Thomson Reuters Foundation – 15/10/2015)

EU Appears Poised to Resume Development Aid to Eritrea: Eritrea may receive an allocation of $229 million over the next six years from the 11th European Development Fund. The fund will tackle increased emigration from Eritrea by creating economic opportunities. (Voice of America - 15/10/2015)

Toughened German asylum law comes into effect a week early: Germany’s lawmakers approve tougher asylum rules in a bid to stem the influx of migrants. Among others, migrants from countries deemed as safe will be repatriated back as asylum applicants are required to stay longer in reception centres. (Europe Online – 24/10/2015)

UN says over 700,000 refugees reached Europe this year: UNHCR announce that more than 700,000 people have entered Europe via Mediterranean this year with children constituting 20% of total arrivals. Half of all arrivals are from Syria, 18% from Afghanistan and 6% from Iraq. (Al Jazeera – 27/10/2015)

Tony Abbott urges Europe to turn back asylum seekers: In this article, the former Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is reported as urging EU to close its borders to asylum seekers as the only way to prevent a ‘European catastrophic error’. (Sunshine Coast Daily – 28/10/2015)

Crackdown on people smugglers in Ethiopia: The government of Ethiopia announces that more than 200 smugglers have been arrested and a campaign is underway aimed at warning people about the perils irregular migration. (BBC – 01/10/2015)

Nearly 800 Yemeni refugees cross into Ethiopia: Ethiopian government announce that nearly 800 Yemeni citizens have entered Ethiopia recently bringing the number of Yemeni refugees in the country to 1,400.(Star Africa – 21/10/2015)

5,000 Refugees Have Gone Back to Somalia: In this article, UNHCR announces that nearly 5,000 Somali refugees from Kenya’s Dadaab camps have returned back to Somali since December 2014. Another 4,500 have signed up to return in coming months. (All Africa – 19/10/2015)

Rival bands of Libya traffickers extort boat migrants: The head of the ‘Sophia’ military operation targeting smugglers and traffickers in Mediterranean warn of certain rivalry between traffickers in Libya who are fighting over the lucrative migrant business. (Yahoo News – 08/10/2015)

More than 500 migrants rescued off Libya coast: Spanish Civil Guard announce that 523 African migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast with the help of the Italian coastguard. The migrants are mainly from Nigeria, Gambia, Senegal, Libya, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. (Yahoo News – 10/10/2015)

Labour Migration - South Africa Must Make More Progress: The author of this opinion article argues that South Africa needs a cohesive and regionally responsive labour migration policy framework that ensures migrant workers contribute to national economic objectives rather than deterring migrants. (All Africa – 12/10/2015)

Charity firms leave South Sudan state over fresh violence: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) close their operations in South Sudan’s Unity State owing to escalating attacks on aid workers. According to UN, more than a million people have been displaced and at least 50,000 killed in the conflict that started in December 2013. (Daily Nation – 08/10/2015)

IOM, UNHCR work together to Aid migrants and refugees fleeing Yemen: Representatives from IOM and UNHCR present the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RRMRP) aimed at responding to the crisis in Yemen. The plan will cost USD 36 million (October-December 2015) and a further USD 119 million in 2016. (Ghana Broadcasting Corporation - 06/10/2015)

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